Prometheus: The Most Understated Time Travel Movie In History?

Prometheus is out on home release, and once again we are all back into the fray of planet LV-223 and its labyrinthian meanings. We were all left scratching our noggins earlier this year, when Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror first oozed onto our screens. Like a belligerent fart it upset many, and lingered with us for some time. Split down the middle, some felt it to be a masterpiece and a worthy heir to the Xneomorph throne, whilst the rest thought Sir Ridley had gone AWOL. For what it is worth, I feel that the film most definitely benefits from a second viewing.

Despite all of this, somewhere between the dissolving giants, spatially aware holograms, penis worms, ambiguous villains and toneless Scottish actresses (I am looking at you, Kate Dickie); film theorist and screenwriter Eugene Baldovino thinks he may have found something surprising. Prometheus might well be the prelude to a time travel saga.

In his 20 minute long visual analysis, Baldovino explores the religious imagery of the film, and its subsequent connotations. But his most interesting theories are that the film is a cautionary tale about time travel. Which, if true, would suddenly make Damon Lindelof, Jon Spaihts, and all involved, look like genius’ of David level IQ.

The long lost art of film analysis is something that many of us learn at film school, but only the most attentive of us use in day-to-day film viewings.With the recent release of The Shining doc Room 237, it would seem that the discerning eagle eyed film nerd model is currently en vogue. And following the Blu Ray and DVD release of Prometheus, Balfovino’s thoughts are quite timely; particularly when you consider that some of his theories are actually proved right by a few deleted scenes.

Baldovino’s theories are by no means flawless (his ideas about time/space are sketchy at best), however, one cannot help but be impressed by the structure and weight of his arguments.

So take a look at the video below and get thinking about Elizabeth Shaw and her motley crew, in a whole new way. At the very least it proves one thing; Prometheus has quite a bit of life left in it. Now, if only someone could explain the giant squid…

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Part critic-part film maker, I have been living and breathing film ever since seeing 'Superman' at the tender age of five. Never one to mince my words, I believe in the honest and emotional reaction to film, rather than being arty or self important just for cred. Despite this, you will always hear me say the same thing - "its all opinion, so watch it and make your own." Follow me @iamBradWilliams

Before i rip this apart, i would like to acknowledge how awesome the LV-223/ Leviticus connection is!
I think this is the only part of your entire theory that holds water. The rest, while interesting, sure, is nothing more than wild speculation and disregard for what is right in front of you.
(PS-i am NO Christian, but i’m also quite sure Jesus was never depicted as a nine-foot tall, bald, white bodybuilder)
Perhaps most importantly- The Black Goo WAS NOT Engineer blood, guy! Why would his own blood make him disintegrate!? Also, why would blood with a DNA match affect us by mutating us that way!?
It is clearly Alien DNA or something very similar as the consumer always mutates into a Xenoesque creature. (After all, the movie was originally called Alien Engineers)
Another thing that bugs me is in the write-up above it at says something about “spatially-aware holograms” ?? You’re kidding, right!? Jesus Christ. This just shows how ridiculous the claims against this movie are.
THEY ARE RECORDINGS THAT HAPPENED RIGHT THERE!! The holograms are not ‘aware’ its just a recording; showing what happened in those tunnels, so of course they react to the structure as if its real, because at the time it was recorded- it was real!
I could go on and on, but really, at this point, the information is out there- do your homework before posting a 20 minute acid trip with a complete lack of evidence.
I would like to reiterate that i do LOVE the Leviticus bit- and i do thank you for that, AND THAT ALONE.

The spatially aware hologram is a reference to the much ridiculed Weyland hologram which looks at and interacts with Shaw after the crew first wake up. So i think you’ll find you have got the wrong end of the stick there. If i were referring to the Engineer recordings, i would have addressed them as such.

Also, the 20 minute ‘acid trip’ is someone’s theories about the film. The clue is in the word ‘theory’. Hence my mentioning of other ‘theories’ out there.

As for the blood. I actually thought that was an interesting perspective. Especially if it turns out to be accurate. After all, the Xenomorphs are notorious for their acidic blood. This could actually be Scott’s gentle nod to the origins and evolution of the toxic liquid.

Xeno blood- maybe. Definitely not engineer blood as he states in the video. And yes, Xeno blood would be both cooler and more logical. (But thats not what he said)
Im also quite sure it would be as simple as taping an X on the floor to indicate to Weyland (while recording) where Shaw and Holloway would be standing. After all the recording was designed to introduce them formally.

Anyway, as stated, one or two interesting gems, but all in all, just wild speculation like the rest of the internet. Space Jesus!? Haven’t we moved past this yet? Other than your breathing advice, do you have anything to support ANY of these ideas?

All that being said- i DO acknowledge that i tend to get unnecessarily heated up when discussing this movie, i don’t know why. Maybe because i feel it has taken needless flack, mostly about silly stuff that is actually explained/ in the subtext.

I think you may have misunderstood my intent. The general feeling amongst the writers at WhatCulture is that Prometheus was a good film. And after speaking to Eugene (the maker of this theoretical exposition) it is clear is he just as big a fan. The purpose of this article is to drag some new theories into the mix. Not to claim knowledge or finite explinations.

I think you’ll agree that theories are made to face scrutiny. An untested theory up against no resistance, is no fun at all. For me, the back and forth of “what about this” and “don’t forget that” is what makes our understanding of the film that much stronger and more cohesive. Besides; it’s fun.